Van Gaal: Happy Atmosphere Is Vital

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal knows the importance of team spirit and he’s pleased to report the Reds’ dressing room has been a happy place this week.

After three wins on the bounce and 11 goals scored, the Reds go into Wednesday’s Barclays Premier League encounter with Watford with a renewed sense of optimism and confidence.

Van Gaal said at his pre-match press conference: "I think the atmosphere is always the most important thing; when you go to work and have a sad atmosphere, then you don’t go in with open eyes.

"It is very important and we have spoken a lot about the atmosphere in the dressing room; I did some changes in the approach and structure and rhythm of the day to raise the atmosphere.

"In football and in sport, you have to win to raise the atmosphere, so now we have won three times and now everyone is happy – the fans are happy, even the media are happy! It is unbelievable."

After the game against Watford, United continue the pursuit of fourth-placed Manchester City with a trip to West Bromwich Albion this weekend, before facing Liverpool in the Europa League and West Ham United in the Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals.

The manager continued: "Now we are coming to the decisive moments of the competitions, in the league and the FA Cup. Every match is very important, especially for us because we have lost too many unnecessary points.

"Now we are three points behind City, seven behind Arsenal – that is too much. We have to win and that’s difficult, of course, but it is still possible."

Van Gaal added in his exclusive pre-match interview with MUTV: "I think you have to go step by step. I'm very happy we beat Arsenal because they are a big club but now we have to beat Watford.

"We have to continue and then we have a chance to become fourth or third in the Premier League. First win, then we talk."